A Little Thing Called Jazz

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Welcome to the age of excess. Jazz. Wild reckless abandon and the ability to break hearts regardless of the bottom line in your bank account.

A time where the newly wealthy wanted to have a good time and prove they were no longer the people they use to be. We've just started the novel The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald,  and reviewed the two class distinctions of  old money and new money.  I also shared the fabulous power point that Ms. Cara Cleek created a few years back and adding a few updated tidbits. Miss the power point? I must really like, because I added it here: Old Money vs. New Money.

Review the information so that you can familiarize yourself with the expectations and issues each class dealt with. Also, later this week {probably Thursday} you will receive your first study guide for Gatsby. I've decided that since time is of the essence we will not complete a study guide for each chapter, but rather do "check-ins" and discussions and a study guide for every third chapter (1,3,6 & 9).  These study guides will be worth more points than a regular study guide you would've  received each week.

Holden Caulfield....obnoxious?

You read it right...is Holden Caulfield dare I say....obnoxious? *gasp* Has his teenage angst gone to the point that even teenagers tire of his endless ranting of who is and isn't a phony? Flavorwire online has the very article you should read since you're trying to get into Holden's head read: The Most Divisive Characters in Literary History .One might propose to say that he is an obnoxious phony pick out obnoxiously obnoxious songs to reiterate the point, but not you oh wise English 11 participant-- not you.

Instead of taking a long pretentious test {I'm saving that for Gatsby} I'm asking you to create a music project for Holden Caulfield--what would be in his ipod? What would his play list be? How would music define his time at Pencey, out in New York, going home to Phoebe and his time out in California? Besides determining the right mix of music and teenage angst you must write an essay {minimum 5 paragraphs} where you follow the basic Context Quote Tie-In format {CQT}.

What the what?

Yes, you must use at least three quotes or citations supporting your music choices.  Think of a part of the novel you are trying to represent musically find a passage that supports your choice and tie-it in to your topic. Oh, and don't forget to have a topic. What are you trying to prove about Holden through the music? Is he lonely and trying to find his way home? Is he looking for love? Is he trying to save the world from corruption and possible one of those evil villains that are appearing in the Avengers ?  Well, probably not the last one, but you get my meaning here.

The CSTs are coming! Hooray!

So, perhaps you aren't super excited to take the California State Tests (CSTs), but I know that y'all are very smart. You prove it to me on a daily basis when you point out my mistakes.

Well, I hope with this little CST review it will help jog some old memories and point out somethings that we have yet to really study, but are items that are easily understood. 

I will being going over the CST English 11 review in class tomorrow, but feel free to look it over on your own too. Hey, it couldn't hurt--right?

Remember, 5% may not seem like a lot right now, but when it comes to your end of the second semester grade {we still have to read Gatsby you know} it may be the difference between passing and failing.

Here's to the CSTs! Let the state hear you roar---I guess that more like a bear quality huh? Okay, then pillage---pillage the heck out of that CST---there that's more Vikingish.